*Sitting at the table in her room at the Pony, Orlenne picks up a quill. She pauses a moment to collect her thoughts before dipping the quill into the ink and beginning to write*
Finally I arrived in Bree. Could not see much of the town itself as it was raining and I got thoroughly soaked. I went to the Prancing Pony, an inn of some repute, to shelter from the weather. As I stood by the fire, drying off, I was greeted by a young girl, in her teens. Her name was Eoryn and she was with a friend, Eaerthryll. Seems Eoryn is the daughter of a barmaid at the inn. They were kind enough to invite me to sit with them at their table, Eaerthryll offering to buy drinks. It was very pleasant and I soon felt very much at home with them in spite of the strange surroundings. The inn itself was rather empty, just a few patrons drinking and talking. At the far end of the room I saw a duo that looked very suspicious, harrassing some poor fellow. I had half a mind to go stand up for him, but that would only end in disaster. Standing at the fireside was a man dressed in black, with a black hooded cloak. A shiver went down my spine I will tell you, but no one saw me.
Eaerthryll asked why I was in Bree. So I gave her a short version of what had happened. No need to go into too much detail, would only frighten the poor girls. Eoryn is only a teenager after all and Eaerthryll is barely in her twenties if I'm any judge. Then we got to talking about money and I had to confess I was down to my last silvers. Eaethryll is one generous girl, I'll give her that. When she found out I had no place to stay she went to talk to the Innkeeper. Rented me a room! I could hardly believe it. A complete stranger renting me a room... well I ask you! I could hardly accept it, but quite honestly, where else was I go to? So I did. I'll be able to stay long enough to get on my feet proper, which is a comforting thought.
Then Eaerthryll was telling us about herself. Seems her pa wanted her to marry some man he had picked out for her, poor wee thing. So she run away. At least she had the sense to take some money with her. I sympathised as best I could. Then she started talking about her beloved, what was his name? Bearcub or something? A nice man going by what she says, but love will cloud people's judgement. Eaerthryll then gave me my first commission, she wants a dress made for when she visits her beloved's family for the first time. I was very happy about that. I'll do the work for free since she has been so generous to me already. Her man turned up not long after so I got to see for myself. He did seem nice enough, rather quiet, mind. That's alright though, too many people talk about nothing if you ask me. Found out that Eaerthryll and the man were living under the same roof. Not my place to judge, so I said nothing, but well, he better be planning to marry her or tongues will wag! Men don't seem to realise what women go through on their account. Makes me quite furious.
*frowns before continuing*
Ah well, young lasses are silly when it comes to men and love makes one blind, I should know.
*a smile softens her features for a moment*
Ah my John, how I miss you! You were always so strong and capable. Damn those brigands. I'll have justice if it's the last thing I do in this life...
*She puts down her quill and closes the book. Her features are set into a mask as she gets up and turns away from the table. She gets ready for bed, taking a pair of very sharp scissors from the pocket of her dress and placing it under her pillow before lying down*
